Fjordhus miss out

IT WAS a changed side again that travelled to Falkirk – who are always a tough side when league points are at stake.

The visitors started slowly, allowing Falkirk to find their stride quickly, and after a series of attacks a deflected ball found its way past keeper Steven Young.

The hosts quickly surged forward again, containing the Borderers in their own half.

But Graham Lofthouse started a classic Reivers counter-attack, scooping the ball out of defence to find 16-year-old Callum Stockdale on the halfway line.

The teenager carried the ball the rest of the way to the goal, timing the release to find Gareth Roberts at the back post to slot home. Reivers, growing in confidence, started to dominate and were unfortunate not to finish the half ahead after some sweeping and dynamic play which Falkirk found hard to handle.

The second period started as the first finished, with Reivers pushing for a lead. The home keeper was frequently the last obstacle, but the second goal did not come the Borderers’ way.

However, Falkirk were able to break on a couple of occasions and win penalty corners, both of which were scrambled home after the initial clearance was foiled.

Reivers continued to assault the Falkirk goal, from every angle, Their reward finally came after a series of solo runs by Lofthouse, beating several players, who found Peter Cairns at the back post to place the ball in the net.

This was followed by a frantic effort during the last few minutes to gain the draw, but with more chances going astray.

Overall, it was a positive performance by the Reivers, but they will have to tighten up in some areas if they are to make progress.